Stennis International Airport, Kiln Mississippi
The Cold War era was a fascinating and transformative period for military aviation, marked by rapid advancements fueled by the intense rivalry between NATO and the Soviet Union. Both sides were locked in an arms race, striving to develop cutting-edge technologies to maintain an edge in the skies. Among the most significant developments were supersonic jets capable of intercepting nuclear bombers, essential for defending against the growing threat of nuclear warfare.
One of the most iconic aircraft to emerge from this period was the English Electric Lightning, a powerful interceptor designed to protect Britain from Soviet bombers. Entering service with the Royal Air Force in May 1960, the Lightning served as a front-line fighter until the 1980s. Known for its exceptional rate of climb, high service ceiling, and Mach 2 speed, the Lightning was a true technological marvel of its time. Pilots famously described flying it as "being saddled to a rocket," due to its remarkable performance.
The Lightning’s design was equally groundbreaking. Its two Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engines were housed in the fuselage, with a large nose intake and a radical shoulder-mounted wing that swept to 60 degrees. The aircraft also featured an all-moving rear tailplane mounted beneath its sleek, contoured fuselage—making it stand out from its contemporaries in both form and function.
Out of the 300 Lightnings built, only a handful remain capable of taxiing, and as of now, just one is in flying condition. The Anglo-American Lightning Organization (AALO) is working to restore a two-seat Lightning T5 (XS422) to flight, an exciting project that aims to bring this Cold War icon back to the skies. In April 2020, Stennis International Airport hosted an open house, allowing visitors a rare and up-close view of this legendary aircraft. Witnessing the English Electric Lightning in flight once again would be an unforgettable experience—a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Cold War aviation pioneers.
Website: www.lightning422.com
Youtube: Lightning422
Originally expected to have a service life of only eight years, the English Electric Lightning defied expectations, remaining in service for nearly four decades. Forty years after its design emerged at the height of the Cold War, the Lightning continued to serve until its retirement in the late 1980s.
As of March 2021, XS422 was capable of fast taxiing down Stennis International Airport’s nearly 8,500-foot-long runway. This T-5 model was previously part of the Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS) at Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, UK, where it played a key role in pilot training and aircraft evaluation.
A unique feature of the Lightning's design is the vertical, staggered configuration of its two Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engines, which are housed within the fuselage. This innovative layout contributed to the aircraft's sleek profile and exceptional performance.
The Lightning T-5 variant was developed as a two-seat, side-by-side training version, with only 22 production aircraft built. This variant was designed to provide pilots with essential training in handling the high-performance capabilities of the Lightning.
The Lightning's design was further enhanced by an all-moving rear tailplane, mounted beneath the fuselage, which contributed to the aircraft's exceptional maneuverability and stability at high speeds.